Im_and_Er

They would have turned back to limit the damage to the sealer on the window which could or would have ocurred without the protection of the tape. This would have led to a repeat, and possibly more extensive repair, at the destination, quite likely resulting in a far longer delay than the two hours the turn back actually caused.

Had the flight's destination been say Stansted or one of RA's other prime operating hubs they may well have chosen to continue with the flight as they would have had better and quicker repair facilities there plus a better chance of an alternative aircraft if it came to that.

Let's be crystal clear here, at no time was there any risk of the window blowing out. The windows on this aircraft are fitted from the inside meaning that the cabin pressure will tend to hold them in place, NOT the reverse !

EDIT: The plane would almost certainly have departed the second time with exactly the same tape fitted as previously.